It was a busy off-season for the varsity boy’s basketball team. Former head coach Tres Ellis resigned, and new head coach Robert Lucero was instated. Lucero has had many challenges to overcome as this season starts to get underway, one of which is having to cope with the loss of several key seniors from last year. But as this season starts, the Chaps are very optimistic as to what the future might hold.

“We are all really close and love to play for Coach Lucero,” junior Stephen Rioux said. “We are all working hard and are starting to play well as a team.”

Despite the lackluster 2-3 start, the Chaps are confident that they will be able to overcome the many obstacles this season will try to throw at them, with the leadership of several talented senior players.

“Lucas Goldberg, Isaac Reichle and Harrison Hackney are starting to emerge as leaders of the team,” Stephen said. “We are all starting to learn how Coach Lucero wants us to play and also learning our role on the team.”

Although the Chaps have fallen below .500 in the winning percentage this season, they are confident that Lucero will be able to put them on the right path towards victory.

“It has been rough so far because we have a new coach and a lot of young players,” Stephen said. “But we all can see coach Lucero is pointing us in the right direction. We have a lot of talent, so we all know this team has a ton of potential, and are excited as the team is starting to grow and become better.”

The Chaps are using this early season play to prepare for District in order to mesh as a team and be at their pinnacle when it really matters. Their next two games are at San Antonio Regan on Dec. 9, and then District play starts at Bowie on Dec. 12.

“We have a challenging District and all nine teams will be fighting for the four playoff spots,” Lucero said. “I expect our guys to grow as a team and as individuals every day on and off the court. If we do our best every day then we can be satisfied with the end result.”